Another late goal, another two points dropped, another disappointment for Manchester United. [View Higlights Below]
Away to Birmingham is a tough game with their defence so tight and their defensive tactics to spring on the counter attack if they can, but Berbatov seemed to have wrapped up the points with his 58 minute goal - the Bulgarians' 14th of the season.
This was not the case however, and after a ball was played into the box, the giant Zigic knocked it down (with his arm) - to Lee Bowyer who was in a borderline offside position, and Bowyer poked it home. No official spotted the illegality and Birmingham duly celebrated their point as if they had won, while United trudged off at the end with a familiar sickening feeling. For this has happened before. Manchester United had once again dropped vital points at a vital time when the situation could have been avoided.
The first half was very tight, with chances few and far between - a fluky Giggs cross scooped above Ben Foster in the Birmingham goal only for him to tip it onto the post, and this was the most threatening of chances. United were able to control possession in general without creating many chances as Birmingham defended closely.
After the beautifully worked United goal in the second half, the game opened up much more. Birmingham had to push forward leaving space in behind their defence, but they were able to cope well with Uniteds attack. There wasn't much cutting edge, and United missed their pacey wingers like Nani or Valenica as well as the recently departed Park, who has left for the Asia Cup.
The result isn't much to worry about for the Red Devils, as they stay top above noisy neighbours City, have their two games in hand and maintain their unbeaten record this season. However, conceding yet another late goal and drawing away from home for the seventh time in eight away matches this season is a problem that must be addressed. The away record could cost them the title.
Birmingham 1 - 1 Manchester United Highlights
